How are Ecosystems affected by natural and anthropogenic events?

Ecosystems can change over time in a process known as natural succession. When an ecosystem is disturbed, both the physical (abiotic) and living (biotic) characteristics may be altered. Disturbances may be natural (e.g., a fire started by lightning) or anthropogenic - human caused (e.g., a fire started by a campfire.)

Choose a specific ecosystem and discuss the consequences for damage to the ecosystem and recovery of the ecosystem when it is disturbed by a natural AND an anthropogenic event. Describe the severity of the disturbances. How will the abiotic and biotic characteristics of the ecosystem change? How quickly will the ecosystem recover (the ecosystem's resilience)? Should recovery be allowed to proceed naturally, or should humans intervene with restoration practices? Why or why not?

Solution Summary

This solution discusses ecosystems and then examines a specific ecosystem on several dimensions, such as: the consequences for damage to the ecosystem and recovery of the ecosystem when it is disturbed by a natural AND an anthropogenic event; the severity of the disturbances; how the abiotic and biotic characteristics of the ecosystem will change; how quickly the ecosystem will recover (the ecosystem's resilience); and if recovery should be allowed to proceed naturally, or if humans should intervene with restoration practices, and why or why not. This solution is provided in an attached Word document.